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The Olympic Health Legacy

In the run up to the London 2012 Olympics many commentators speculated whether the Games would have a lasting impact on the British people. One of the great hopes was that by throwing a spotlight on elite sporting achievement for a sustained period, ordinary people might be inspired to start taking part in more exercise activities. In turn, this would lead to a better level of good health amongst the general population of the United Kingdom and consequently save the NHS millions of pounds.

Undeniably the Olympics did have a big impact on Great Britain, but the question of whether it will leave a lasting health legacy is less straightforward. Two weeks ago, the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee published a report expressing bewilderment at the lack of a cohesive Government policy tailored to build on the achievement of London 2012. According to the committee of Peers, the Government had allowed a golden opportunity to improve the nation’s health slip through their fingers.

Lord Krebs, the Chairman of the Lords committee was unequivocal in his condemnation of the Government’s woolly-minded approach to the Olympic health legacy. In his opinion, the ministers dealing with health care and those dealing with the Olympic Games had done little to cooperate on policy. As a result of this lack of “joined-up thinking” nothing was being done to address the greatest health threat faced by the British people – an inactive lifestyle.

It is estimated that almost one in ten premature deaths occur as a result of a lack of exercise. Up to ten per cent of heart attacks, strokes and other forms of cardiovascular illness would not take place if the patient concerned had led a more active life. According to the prestigious medical journal, The Lancet, Great Britain is amongst the laziest nations in the world. Almost 7 out of every 10 people fails to meet the bare minimum for recommended daily levels of exercise.

Bizarrely, despite the fact that the health benefits of sport and exercise are well documented and thoroughly researched, the NHS places little importance on it. One example of this lack of recognition can be found in British medical schools. On average, trainee doctors will only spend 4.2 hours studying the benefits of exercise throughout their time at University. Even worse, 44% of medical schools did not even bother to explain the guidelines of daily levels of exercise to their student doctors.

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Statements on Get Holistic Health about health issues aren't meant to identify, treat, cure, or protect against illness. For those who have a health problem of any sort speak with your health care specialist. Material shown by Get Holistic Health is for educational purposes only and isn't meant to substitute for the recommendation of a doctor and other medical professional.